Method for preparing infant formula from powder with dispensing and filtering means

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby&#39;s caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 08/265,412 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.07/981,791, now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for maintainingand supplying a ready source of warm water to mix with powdered infantformula.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The health of a baby depends upon, among other things, itsnutritional diet. Infant formula has nutritional value similar tomother's milk. Because of its obvious convenience, infant formula isoften substituted for mother's milk. However, pediatricians advise thatthe formula should be fed to a baby at a constant temperature throughoutthe content and as near to the temperature of the mother's milk aspossible.

[0004] In addition to the nutritional value of the infant formula, thebaby's caregiver is also interested in the expediency with which theformula can be dispensed at the proper and consistent temperature tofeed the hungry and crying baby. As more and more parents work outsidethe home and attempt to cope with their hurried and harried lifestyles,there is an increasing need for faster and more efficient preparation ofthe baby's formula. The baby's caregivers have little time during theday to devote to preparation of the baby's formula. Additionally, andperhaps most significantly, feedings during the night must also beexpedient, since any time required for the feedings reduces thecaregiver's own amount of rest and sleep, and may adversely impact thecaregiver's normal sleep pattern. The baby is also more inclined toreturn to sleep if he/she receives the infant formula in a timelymanner. Otherwise, if allowed to become agitated when hungry and thefood is not immediately forthcoming, the baby may not return to sleep asreadily. In locations where water sources are considered to be unsafe orin question, conventional methods and apparatus used to prepare infantformula include boiling tap water for sterilization. After boiling,water is allowed to cool to a tepid temperature and then the water ismixed with powdered or liquid concentrate infant formula. This boil andcool method has several disadvantages. First, this method is very timeconsuming, requiring several minutes of preparation to bring water to aboiling temperature and then allowing it to cool. Second, if allowed tocool too long, the water must be reheated, resulting in additionalpreparation time. Third, no ready means for accurately measuring,monitoring and controlling the temperature of the water is available.Fourth, safety of both the baby's caregiver and the baby is at risk. Thebaby's caregiver could suffer from thermal bums when attempting to pourthe boiling water into a container. Further, thermal bums to the baby isa possibility if the water is not allowed to cool sufficiently. Fifth,the energy required to bring water to its boiling point is wasted, asthe water must then be allowed to cool.

[0005] Another method and apparatus to prepare infant formula is the useof tap water supplied directly from a hot water heater. Water from a hotwater faucet is allowed to run while cold water is purged from the waterlines and warm water is delivered. This tap water method has severaldisadvantages. While not as time consuming as the boil and cool methodand apparatus, dispensing water at the proper temperature from thefaucet can consume several minutes. First, the cold water must be purgedfrom the water lines and replaced with warm water. Then, the temperatureof the water must be adjusted to the proper level, which is generally ata lower than desired temperature. Further, the temperature of the wateris not monitored and usually consists of the caregiver testing thetemperature with his/her finger or hand. This may result in thermalbums. The tap water method also results in waste as the water must rununtil the proper temperature is achieved.

[0006] Microwave ovens are often used to heat infant formula. While thismethod is often used because of convenience and expediency, it isundesirable because hot spots in the formula may develop, resulting ininconsistent formula temperature. Further, thermal bums to the baby'smouth may result from drinking hot formula. In addition, some studiesreport that formula heated with microwaves may inhibit the baby'sdigestion.

[0007] Ready liquid formula is an alternative feeding method. However,liquid formula is generally more expensive than powdered infant formulaand spoils within 48 hours after opening. Further, the liquid must berefrigerated to prevent spoilage even within the 48 hour period. Inaddition, a method to heat the liquid formula is required when warmformula is desired. Many times a unit to warm a baby bottle containingliquid formula is used. However, these units, generally take severalminutes to warm first the bottle and then the formula contained insidethe bottle. Further, no ready means for monitoring and adjusting thetemperature of the formula is available.

[0008] A method and apparatus for supplying water for mixing infantformula using liquid concentrate is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,460(the '460 patent). The '460 patent discloses a storage and dispensingdevice for liquid infant formula which includes two compartments. Onecompartment refrigerates and stores the liquid formula concentrate. Theother compartment holds hot water that is dispensed with the liquidformula into a bottle. The water is heated with an electric elementwhich is controlled by a thermostat. Such a device has severaldisadvantages. First, the water is supplied only at a very hightemperature range such that when mixed with the refrigerated pre-chilledliquid concentrate, the temperature of the resulting mixture is loweredto a range suitable for a baby. Thus, the water provided, if dispensedsingularly, would be at a temperature too high for mixing with roomtemperature powdered infant formula. Second, modifying the apparatus andmethod is not desirable. Powdered formula would have to be pre-mixedwith water and then poured into the cold compartment. Having to pre-mixthe powdered infant formula is inconvenient and time consuming.Furthermore, the powdered formula would likely settle to the bottom ofthe compartment, as the formula and water mixture holds its suspensionfor a lesser period of time than pre-mixed liquid.

[0009] Another disadvantage of the '460 patent is that the device has nomeans for monitoring or controlling the temperature of the final mixtureof water and infant formula. Further, the temperature of the finalmixture would need to be controlled by adjusting both the temperature ofthe hot water and the temperature of the chilled liquid concentrate.Additionally, inconsistent temperatures throughout the mixture mayresult, with hot spots where more water is present and cold spots wheremore of the liquid formula concentrate is present. This problem of hotand cold spots could be reduced somewhat by manually stirring themixture to obtain a homogenous temperature. These disadvantages increasethe time and number of steps required to produce a suitable mixture forfeeding to a baby.

[0010] The device taught by the '460 patent is cumbersome and probablyexpensive to make and to operate because of its duplicate parts. Itcontains, among other elements, two reservoirs and a refrigeration unitas well as a heating unit. Not only would these parts be costly topurchase initially, but also costly when replacing worn parts. Moreelectricity is required to operate both the refrigeration unit and theheating unit. More importantly, the temperature of the water cannot becontrolled to achieve the appropriate temperature required for powderedinfant formula.

[0011] Other methods and apparatus pertain to heating water forpreparation of hot drinks. Beverage water dispensing units typicallydispense water for either hot beverages or cold beverages, but not warmor tepid beverages such as infant formula. Further, a means forselecting and adjusting the temperature of the water is not available.An example of these type units is a coffee maker. The coffee makerdispenses water at too high a temperature for infant formula andtypically has no means for temperature selection or monitoring. Anothersuch device is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,860 (the '860patent) of Verheijen. A heating unit brings a quantity of water to ahigh temperature which is then mixed with water at a lower temperature,resulting in a mixture of water at a desired temperature, somewherebetween the temperature range of the hot and cooler water components. Inaddition, the device is connected to an inlet which supplies the watercomponents. Such a device is unsuitable for supplying heated water formixing with powdered infant formula. The temperature of the final waterproduct may have hot and cold spots throughout because of the mixing ofa hot quantity with a cold quantity of water to achieve a mixture havingthe desired temperature. There is also no indication or readout of thefinal water temperature.

[0012] A method and apparatus for dispensing instant foods is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,125 (the '125 patent) of Arzberger et al. Thefood dispenser includes a hot water system, water tank and a dehydratedfood storage hopper. A funnel receives and mixes hot water from thewater tank and dehydrated food from the storage hopper. The food mixtureis then discharged from the funnel into a container suitable forreceiving the mixture. Such a method and apparatus has severaldisadvantages for use as a supply of heated water for mixing withpowdered infant formula. First, the temperature of the water is too hotfor use with powdered infant formula. While hot temperatures aresuitable for food such as mashed potatoes and cereal for adults andolder children, infant formula must be served at lower temperatures.Second, the temperature of the water cannot be controlled or adjusted tothe lower temperatures required for infant formula. Third, modifying theapparatus and method for use with infant formula is undesirable. Even ifthe water temperature could be adjusted and controlled to lowertemperatures, the device is too unwieldy for use as an infant formuladispenser. An infant formula dispenser ideally delivers only warm water.The process and apparatus disclosed in the '125 patent would deliverpre-mixed formula, which has several problems. The powdered formulastored in the hopper would quickly become stale and unusable. Also, thewater tank capacity of one gallon of water is too enormous foradaptability for infant formula. Typically, a baby requires only four toeight ounces of formula every two to four hours. A gallon capacity wouldlast between 16 and 32 hours. This would require an excess amount ofenergy to power the food dispenser for a substantial length of time.Further, the '125 patent has no means to measure the proper amount ofwater and powdered formula to be mixed together. Additionally, notemperature readout is provided.

[0013] The method and apparatus disclosed by the '125 patent is unwieldyand probably expensive to produce and maintain. It contains, among otherelements, a large water tank, a dehydrated food storage hopper, and afunnel for mixing of the water and dehydrated food. A correspondinghigher amount of energy would be required to operate the variouselements of the food dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] By overcoming the various disadvantages of the previouslydescribed devices for supplying heated water, this invention provides amethod and apparatus for expediently supplying water at a consistent andideal temperature that is mixed with powdered infant formula.

[0015] In one of its preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises areservoir where water is added and then heated to the ideal temperaturefor mixing with powdered infant formula. Heating water in the reservoirassures that the water temperature is stabilized and maintained at anoptimum temperature for infant formula. Further, the water is ready tobe dispensed for mixing with the powdered formula whenever a baby'sfeeding is required. Expediency is at an optimum since the reservoirprovides an immediately accessible supply of water at the propertemperature for multiple feedings. This expediency is conducive tobetter sleep patterns for both the caregiver and the baby.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includesan optimum capacity water reservoir. A baby typically requires onlysmall quantities of formula ranging from four to eight ounces. Thus, asmaller capacity reservoir is advantageous in that the water will beused quickly before becoming stagnant. However, the reservoir is largeenough to provide for multiple feedings, which may occur every two tofour hours.

[0017] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a filter forfiltering out contaminants is installed in an apparatus for heatingwater to a temperature suitable for oral delivery to an infant. Water ispoured into a reservoir through the filter, in one embodiment, or ispumped from a reservoir, through a filter, prior to dispensing formixing with powdered formula, in another embodiment. Means fordisinfecting the water may also be used to sterilize the water prior tomixing with the powdered formula.

[0018] In accordance with still further aspects of the invention, avariable temperature setting allows the user of this device to selectand control the temperature of the water within a narrow temperaturerange. Temperature of the water can be maintained slightly warmer orcooler than body temperature, depending on the baby's response atfeeding time. The temperature of the formula can be kept consistent atevery feeding. Consistency in the formula's temperature is advised bypediatricians as an essential element for the baby's feeding habits.Additionally, powdered formula mixes more efficiently in warm water.Also, continuous monitoring of the water temperature is provided by atemperature readout. Thus, the user knows precisely the formula'stemperature and can adjust it according to individual needs andrequirements. Temperature control and monitoring can virtually eliminatethe possibility of thermal bums to the user or baby.

[0019] The water heater for infant formula can operate in any area whichhas available electrical power. It can also be adapted for use in anautomobile. Its use is not limited to areas having an inlet pipesupplying water, as water is poured into the reservoir, rather thanbeing connected to an inlet pipe. Thus, the device can be located in aroom close to the baby or the baby's caregiver, and not restricted tobathrooms or kitchens. However, the device can easily be modified toaccept home or public water supply, if so desired.

[0020] These and other advantages of the invention are discussed or willbe otherwise apparent from the following description of the preferredembodiment of the invention, its illustration in attached drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a waterheater for infant formula with portions cut away to display interiorcomponents in elevation.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the water heater for infant formulashown in FIG. 1, taken along section line 2-2, with portions cut away todisplay the closed position of a slide action spring valve.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the water heater for infant formulasimilar to FIG. 2 to display the open position of a slide action springvalve.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermostatic control circuit.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a waterheater for infant formula with portions cut away to display interiorcomponents in elevation.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a top, cross-sectional view of the water heater forpowdered infant formula taken along section line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a waterheater for infant formula with portions cut away to display interiorcomponents in elevation.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a detail of a valve shown in FIG. 1 with portions cutaway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 2 for preparing powdered infantformula includes a housing 4 having a water reservoir lid 6, side panel8, front panels 10 and 12, back panel 14, drip gate 16, and a spillagereservoir 18. The drip gate 16 is a framework of lattice bars whichallows spillage of water dispensed from the water reservoir 20 to flowthrough the drip gate 16 into the spillage reservoir 18. The drip gate16 is removable to allow easy cleaning of the shallow spillage reservoir18.

[0030] Water reservoir 20 preferably holds 16 fluid ounces or more ofwater, sufficient for at least four 4-ounce baby feedings or two 8-ouncefeedings. The capacity of the reservoir may be larger. However, toreduce the possibility of growth of microorganisms or contamination byforeign material, the amount of stored water should be kept to theminimum necessary for convenience. Furthermore, heating of the water maybe more easily and quickly controlled with a smaller heating element tosave costs.

[0031] The water reservoir lid 6 is removable for pouring water into thewater reservoir 20. Tap water is typically used. If the source of thetap water is contaminated, it should be boiled and cooled before pouringinto the water reservoir 20. Generally, it is recommended that boilingand cooling of water should occur immediately prior to a baby's naptimeor bedtime. The lid should be replaced prior to operation of the waterheater to keep out contaminants and retain the heat. A clear window 22located in the side panel 8 provides for visual inspection of thequantity of water in the water reservoir 20.

[0032] Heating element 24 of U-shape extends through the floor ofreservoir 20 to heat the water evenly and consistently throughout. Theheating element 24 is constructed of a material such as stainless steelor ceramic which will not rust or corrode and thereby contaminate thewater. The U-shape of the heating element is not limited to the shapethat is shown in FIG. 5. For example, the heating element may be in theform of a pad laid on the floor of the reservoir or in the form of ablanket wrapped around the reservoir. Other types of heating elementsmay also be substituted.

[0033] Power to the heating element 24 is turned on and off by athermostat schematically illustrated in FIG. 4 to achieve a desiredwater temperature. Power is delivered with a 120 volt AC current throughplug 25. On/off switch 27 turns power on and off to the heating element24 and thermostat. This switch has an exterior surface of translucentred plastic through which a light, when lit, may be seen and indicatesthat the water is at a desired water temperature. The desired watertemperature is set manually with knob 26. Preferably, as indicated bythe scale adjacent knob 26, the water temperature is adjusted over asmall range of temperatures from 92° to 100° Fahrenheit, temperatures atwhich formula is preferable for feeding to an infant. Generally, it hasbeen found that mixing water with powdered infant formula does notsignificantly lower the temperature of the resulting liquid formulabelow that of the water constituent. Ideally, the temperature of thewater should be the normal body temperature, which temperature averages98.6° Fahrenheit for most persons. However, temperatures ranging from70° to 105° Fahrenheit could be provided to meet an individual user'spreference. Regardless of the actual temperature, it is most importantto provide water instantaneously at a consistent temperature, within arange of temperatures acceptable for the baby to consume the formula, sothat the water can be mixed with powdered infant formula and fedimmediately to the baby. A display 28 of the temperature is provided toreassure the caregiver that the water temperature is accurate andconsistent.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 8 collectively, lever 30 isprovided to pivot about axis 32 when depressed with a baby bottle 122,having an amount of powdered baby formula indicated by dashed line 124,by placing the bottle's opening beneath funnel 46. One end of the leverextends up into cavity 34 formed within reservoir 20 and activates avalve 33 when pivoted.

[0035] Lever 30 operates a valve plate 36. Valve plate extends throughan opening wall 38 and into reservoir 20. The plate is sealed againstthe opening with a grommet. Wall 38 partially forms cavity 34. The valveplate is retained for sliding within horizontal grooves 39, indicated bydashed lines, formed along interior walls of cavity 34. Coaxial withvalve plate 36 is a compressed coiled spring 40. The spring, in acompressed state, exerts a biasing force that tends to slide valve plate36 towards the left to a closed position. The biasing force thus alsotends to pivot the lever 30 counterclockwise. Pressing lever 30 with abottle rotates the lever clock-wise and slides the valve plate to theright and moves opening 42 over the mouth 44 of funnel 46. Water thenflows through funnel 46 and into the bottle. The mouth 44 is locatedabove the floor 48 of the reservoir to prevent any sediment that maycollect in the reservoir from flowing through the funnel and into thebottle. Other types of commercially available valves may be used inplace of valve plate 36, and may be fitted to funnel 46 below thereservoir, as opposed to its mouth 44, if desired.

[0036] The thermostat and electronic circuits (not shown) are locatedwithin cavity 50. A temperature sensor 52 is placed in a location in thereservoir 20 that is representative of the average temperature of waterthat is being dispensed through funnel 46.

[0037] A water level sensor 61 prevents power from being supplied to theheating element 24 when the water level in the reservoir falls below apredetermined level to prevent the heating element from getting too hotor burning.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a block schematic of theapparatus for preparing infant formula from powder 2 (FIG. 1) withthermostatic control circuitry. This control circuitry is also used inapparatus 60 that is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A power switching circuit53, which can be a relay or a solid state device, turns power on and offto the heating element 24. An output signal from AND gate 59 operatesthe power switching circuit. AND gate 59 receives on one input a signalfrom comparator 54 and one from water level sensor 61 disposed withinreservoir 20.

[0039] Water level sensor 61 includes a float 63 having a magnetic topand a proximity sensor switch 65 for sensing the presence of a magneticfield. The proximity sensor switch is, for example, a reed switch havingcontacts that are pulled together by the presence of the magnetic fieldof the magnet on top of the float. The float is upwardly constrained sothat anytime the water level is above a minimum, the magnet on the floatis near the proximity sensor switch 65 and closes it. When the waterdrops, the magnet drops away from the proximity sensor switch, and theswitch opens. An example of such a water level sensor is found in U.S.Pat. No. 5,576,426 to Sesholtz. The proximity detector switch isconnected by an appropriate logic circuit to one input of AND gate 59,so as to provide a logic signal indicating whether the water is above orbelow the minimum level. Other types of water level sensors may besubstituted.

[0040] The comparator circuit 54 receives a signal indicative of thetemperature of water in the reservoir from a temperature sensing circuit56 and a signal from temperature setting circuit 58 representative of aset temperature. It compares the two signals and provides a signal online 55 indicating whether the water temperature is above or below theset temperature. The temperature sensing circuit is coupled to thesensor 52. Sensor 52 is preferably a thermistor located within thereservoir in a location representative of the average temperature of thewater being dispensed through funnel 46. The set temperature of thetemperature select circuit 58 is set by the user with knob 26. Thetemperature select circuit may be combined with the temperature sensingcircuit. For example, the thermistor and a variable resistor may beincorporated into the same bridge or voltage-dividing circuit. Thetemperature sensing circuit 56 illuminates light 56A, which is placedbehind a translucent portion of switch 27, when the temperature of thewater is within range of a desired temperature.

[0041] Power switching circuit 53 is closed to provide power to heatingelement 24 only when the AND gate receives a logic signal from theproximity detector switch that indicates the water level is above theminimum water level and when the comparator 54 provides a logic signalindicating that the water temperature is below the set temperatureindicated by the signal from temperature select circuit 58. Otherwise,the power switching circuit is open.

[0042] The temperature select circuit also provides a signal or signalsindicating the actual water temperature to display 28. Either thetemperature sensing circuit 56 or display 28 is provided with thecircuitry necessary to create the desired display, whether it is adigital LED or LCD readout, as shown, or an analog dial.

[0043] Other types of thermostats which have sensitivity capable ofmaintaining the temperature of water within the desired range may besubstituted. One example of an electronic circuit is found in U.S. Pat.No. 5,063,836, issued Nov. 12, 1991, which is incorporated herein byreference. The thermostat may also be a conventional mechanical circuit.Furthermore, the thermostat and heater may be incorporated into a singleunit and placed in the reservoir. An example of such units, commonlyused in aquariums, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,793.

[0044] Unlike coffee makers and other types of water heaters, heatingelement 24 preferably heats the water relatively slowly. Slow heatinghelps to assure that the temperature throughout the reservoir isrelatively consistent and free of hot spots. Slow heating allows goodthermostatic control to avoid overshooting the set temperature.Measurement of the temperature of the water in the reservoir is moreaccurate and placement of sensor 52 is less critical because of therelatively constant temperature distribution.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of awater heater for powdered infant formula 60 employs a water pump todeliver water, as opposed to the gravity flow system shown in FIGS. 1-3.Water is poured into reservoir 62 by removing cap 64. Like theembodiment of FIGS. 1-3, water is heated to and maintained at a desiredtemperature with a heating element 66 that extends into the reservoir. Awindow 68 shows the amount of water in the reservoir 62.

[0046] The temperature of the water is set by the user turning knob 26.A temperature sensor 72, schematically illustrated, is located withinthe reservoir at a location representative of the average temperature ofthe water being dispensed. The temperature sensor and the heatingelement 66 are coupled to the thermostat and temperature setting andsensing circuitry shown in FIG. 4. This circuitry is located inelectronics cavity 74.

[0047] Extending through the floor of reservoir 62 is a funnel 76 forreceiving water. Mouth 78 of the funnel is located above the floor acertain distance so as to avoid drawing in any sediment that may collecton the floor of the reservoir. The funnel flows water to an input ofwater pump 80. The output of the water pump is connected to tube 82.Tube 82 runs along the inside of the reservoir so that water in the tubeis not cooled by the ambient room temperature and can be generallymaintained at the desired temperature. The tube transports water underpressure up to valve 84. Valve 84 is spring loaded and normally closed.It is opened by a bottle (not shown) pressing against lever 86.Displacement of lever 86 moves arm 88 against an actuator pin in thevalve that opens the valve and simultaneously operates a switch 84A toturn on water pump 80. Water is then pumped from the reservoir anddelivered into the bottle through spigot 90. Alternatively, the valvemay be omitted. In this case, lever 86 operates a switch that turns onwater pump 80. Another alternative is that water pump 80 may be pressuresensitive and operate whenever the pressure in tube 82 drops below apredetermined level when valve 84 is opened.

[0048] A drip grate 16 is placed over a shallow spillage reservoir 18 tocatch dripping water from spigot 90.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of a waterheater for powdered infant formula 96 is shown partially in section. Aline heater 98 is used in place of a heated reservoir. Reservoir 100 isfilled with water by removing lid 102. A window 104 on an outer wall 106of the reservoir shows the water level in the reservoir. The scale nextto the window indicates the volume of water left in fluid ounces andmilliliters.

[0050] A baby bottle (not shown) is pressed against lever 108 toposition the opening of the baby bottle beneath spigot 110 and to openvalve 112. Opening valve 112 allows water to flow, under the force ofgravity, into water line 114, past line heater 98 and out spigot 110.Valve 112 includes a plate 116 with an orifice 117. Plate 116 slidesvertically in front of opening 119 to water line 114. Plate 116 isbiased to a closed position by spring 118. In the closed position, theorifice 117 in plate 116 is not aligned with opening 119 of the waterline 114; the plate serves to block the flow of water. To open thevalve, lever 108 is depressed, which causes arm 120 to pull down onplate 116, aligning orifice 117 with the opening 119.

[0051] Line heater 98 is in essence a heat exchanger for impartingthermal energy to a given volume of water passing through it. Theheating element is heated by passing current through a resistive elementthat heats a thermal reservoir for storing a determined amount ofthermal energy. The amount of thermal energy transferred by the lineheater to the water during dispensing should be sufficient to raise thevolume of water dispensed into a baby bottle to the desired temperatureor within a range of desirable temperatures between 92 and 100 degreesFahrenheit. To achieve the most predictable transfer of heat to thewater, the temperature and flow rate of the water in the reservoir 100should be kept relatively constant. Also, the flow of heat into thethermal reservoir of the line heater should be sufficient to maintain arelatively constant heat transfer rate to the water throughout theperiod of water flow through the line heater during dispensing.

[0052] The line heater 98 is preheated by turning on power switch 27.Its temperature, indicative of the amount of the thermal energy storedby it, is regulated by a thermostatic control circuit in cavity 122,such as the one shown in FIG. 4, having a set temperature manuallyadjustable with knob 26. Temperature sensor 52 (schematicallyillustrated), which preferably is a thermistor, provides a signalindicative to the thermostatic control circuit for use in regulating thetemperature of the water and displaying the temperature on display 28.Although the water is supplied under pressure supplied by gravity, apump may be included, if desired, to provide a more consistent flow ofwater and therefore aid in providing more consistent water temperature.

[0053] Given the difficulty of accurately controlling the reservoirwater temperature, the flow rates, and the heating of the line heater,using a line heater is less preferred than a heated reservoir to heatthe water to the desired temperature in the bottle. For example, if theheat transfer rate of the line heater changes during flow of the water,the volume of the water dispensed may have to be limited to a particularvolume to achieve a consistent desired water temperature in the bottle.

[0054] Turning now, generally, to FIGS. 9-12, to filter contaminatesfrom the water, the forgoing apparatuses may be adapted to include afilter or system of filters in order to remove contaminates from waterbeing dispensed into the baby bottle. There are various different typesof filters which may be used, each with different properties. Thesefilters may be combined, if desired.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 9, in another embodiment of apparatus 2 forpreparing infant formula from powder, a removable and replaceable,gravity-flow, filtering device 200 is mounted within an opening housing4 to the reservoir 20, in place of a cover 6 (see FIG. 1). The filterdevice is designed to be sit within the opening, so that it can beremoved by pulling up on the device in order to easily replace thedevice's filter media 206. Filtering device 200 filters water as it ispoured into the reservoir. It includes a pan 202, having a grated bottom204, in which water may accumulate as it is being poured. Theaccumulation pan establishes a pressure head to help push water throughthe filter, and it also accommodates water that is being poured at arate greater than the rate it is flowing through the filter. Filtermedia 206 is supported within the device, so that water draining throughthe grated bottom 204 of the pan flows through it and into a collectionpan 206 below under the force of gravity. The filter media removescontaminates from the water. It may include activated carbon or othertype of media that removes contaminates from water and works underrelatively low pressures. The collection pan includes a spout 210 foremptying purified water into the reservoir 20.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 10, a filtering device 212 can be placedinstead on outlet 46 of the reservoir to purify water as it is beingdispensed. Alternatively, the filtering device can be placed elsewherein a path in a flow of water from the reservoir and into a baby bottle.However, by attaching it to the outlet 46, the filtering device iseasily replaceable or removable, and yet, as opposed to simply placingit on top of a baby bottle, can remain on the apparatus so that it isnot lost. Although shown in connection with an apparatus 2 with areservoir arranged for gravity feed dispensing, a filtering device couldbe included on the end of spigot 90 of the pump driven dispensingapparatus 60 shown in FIG. 5.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 11, apparatus 213 for preparing infantformula includes a reservoir 214 for holding water for dispensing. Wateris poured into the reservoir through removable cover 6. Pump 216 drawsin, through hose 218, water from the reservoir and delivers it underpressure to an inlet (not shown) of filter and/or disinfecting system220. The filter system 220 can include any type of filter, filteringsystem or disinfecting system that requires that the water be undersubstantial pressure, such as a reverse osmosis filter. As compared toan activated carbon filter, a reverse osmosis filter is more effective,tends to remove more contaminates as it can filter out bacteria andother materials having larger molecular structures. However, a pressuregreater than the head of water in the reservoir is required to forcewater throughout.

[0058] An outlet of the filter 220 is connected to return hose 222. Thereturn hose splits at a “y” junction, and the ends of the hosesterminate at dispensing valve 224 and pressure-relief valve 226. Thedispensing valve, or spigot valve, is operated by dispensing lever 30,for allowing water to flow through outlet 46, into a bottle (not shown)which is positioned beneath it, in a manner that depresses the lever andopens the valve. The dispensing valve is normally biased to a closedposition. The pressure relief valve 226 opens when the pressure in thereturn hose 222 reaches relief pressure greater than the pressure inhose 222 when the dispensing valve 224 is open. When the pressure reliefvalve is open, water is pumped into the reservoir through outlet 230.This allows the pump to be turn on, if desired, to recirculate water inthe reservoir through the filter 220. If the pump is not already on forrecirculating water, depressing of lever 30 will turn the pump on fordispensing.

[0059] The filter 220 could also include a series of filters, such as anactivated carbon filter and a membrane for filtering smaller particles.Furthermore, it can incorporate an ultraviolet lamp for disinfecting thewater as it passes through the filter. Disinfecting the water withultraviolet radiation will kill most of the bacteria and othermicroorganisms which may be present in the water. Alternately, anultraviolet lamp could be placed separately into water flow path,separately from filter 220, so that water is pumped past duringdispensing or recirculation.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 12, to sterilize or disinfect water inreservoir 20 of apparatus 2 for preparing infant formula from powder, anultra-violet lamp is mounted within the reservoir 20, for shining on thewater in the reservoir to disinfect bacteria and other microorganisms.The ultra-violet lamp may also be mounted in the reservoirs of theapparatus shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0061] The forgoing are exemplary embodiments of the invention.Modifications to these embodiments may be made without departing fromthe scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for preparing baby formulacomprising: a manually portable housing for freely standing on a surfacefor supporting a reservoir for holding a supply of water; a heatingelement for slowly heating the water in the reservoir well in advance ofits need to a predetermined set point with a range of temperatureshaving an upper limit at which infant formula may still be safely fed toa baby, the heating element being relatively small compared to the sizeof the reservoir for more easily controlling heating; a thermostat forcontrolling warming of the water to, and maintaining the temperature ofthe water at, the set point for an extended period until ready for use,the thermostat including means for sensing the temperature of the waterand, response thereto, controlling coupling of power source to theheating element; a spigot mounted to the housing at a height above thesurface for positioning the baby bottle between the surface and thespigot; a means for visually indicating that the temperature of thewater is acceptable for immediate feeding to a baby; a lever forcontrolling a valve of the spigot extending below the spigot and adaptedto receive and to be displaced by a conventional baby bottle when thebottle is maneuvered below the spigot, the displacement of the levercausing water to flow from the reservoir into an opening in top of thebottle; means for manually adjusting the set point within the range oftemperatures; a baby bottle positioned for receiving water dispensedfrom the reservoir through the spigot; and a supply of powdered formulafor immediately mixing with water dispensed from the reservoir andfeeding of a resultant mixture to an infant.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the range falls within the range of ninety-two degreesFahrenheit and one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.
 3. The apparatus of claim1 wherein the reservoir has a volume of at least 16 oz. for enablingpreparation of for multiple feedings without refilling the reservoir. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is supported on top ofthe base portion of the housing, at a height above the spigot forenabling water to flow from the reservoir and into a baby bottle underforce of gravity.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an opening of thespigot to the reservoir is located above the bottom of the reservoir sothat particulate solids settle to the bottom of reservoir and thus tendto be prevented from being dispensed into the baby bottle the spigot. 6.The apparatus of claim 1 further including a pump for drawing water fromthe reservoir and delivering it to the spigot.
 7. The apparatus of claim1 wherein the means for visually indicating the temperature includes anumerical display of the temperature of the water as sensed by thethermostat.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the range falls withinthe range of seventy degrees Fahrenheit to one hundred five degreesFahrenheit.
 9. An apparatus for preparing baby formula comprising: amanually portable housing for freely standing on a surface forsupporting a reservoir for holding a supply of water, the reservoirincluding an opening for receiving water poured by a user; a heatingelement for slowly heating the water in the reservoir well in advance ofits need to a predetermined set point with a range of temperatureshaving an upper limit at which infant formula may still be safely fed toa baby; a thermostat for controlling warming of the water to, andmaintaining the temperature of the water at, the set point for anextended period until ready for use, the thermostat including means forsensing the temperature of the water and, response thereto, controllingcoupling of power source to the heating element; a spigot mounted to thehousing at a height above the surface for positioning the baby bottlebetween the surface and the spigot; wherein the opening to thereservoir, the reservoir and the spigot form a water flow path throughthe apparatus, to the baby bottle, and wherein the apparatus furtherincludes means for filtering disposed within the water flow path forfiltering contaminates from the water.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9further comprising a means for disinfecting disposed withing the waterflow path.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means fordisinfecting includes an ultra-violet lamp disposed within thereservoir.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for filteringis mounted within the opening to the reservoir.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 9 wherein the means for filtering is mounted to an outlet portionof the spigot.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a pump inthe water flow path for drawing water from the reservoir and deliveringunder pressure to the spigot; wherein the means for filtering isdisposed within the water flow path between the pump and the spigot. 15.The apparatus of claim 14 further including a means for disinfectingdisposed within the flow path between the pump and spigot.